Opinions – youth curfews
Young people speak out about the government's plans to introduce curfews for under 16s.
| Statistics prove that adults commit most of the serious crime. Why doesn’t someone introduce curfews for adults? |
Curfews don't work. They were created because all children are being stereotyped as thugs, muggers and vandals. This is wrong: official statistics prove that it's adults who commit most of the serious crime. So why doesn't someone introduce curfews for adults?
Alexander Dowty, 12, London
I think curfews are a good idea. They should keep kids off the streets. Most mums will probably think they're a good idea too. I think children should be in by 8.30pm because after that time it can get a bit dangerous on the streets.
Kris Shreeve, 11, North Shields *
I don't think curfews would be fair. A lot of children are roaming the streets after dark for good reasons. For example, they could have been at a youth club or at a friend's house doing homework. One solution to stop all children suffering for the actions of a few is to tag known offenders or trouble makers. Police and parents would then be able to keep track of them.
I reckon only parents have the right to tell children what time to be home. Not the government.
Klarisse Osei, 15, London
I don't think a curfew is a good idea because people should be allowed to stay out as long as they want. I think most young people should be in by about 7:30, though, because that's when gangs start to come out. I think young people will be unhappy about a curfew because they'll have to come in earlier which means they won't be able to stay out with all their mates. I don't think many people will stick to a curfew. They'll stay out late and use an excuse just to get round it.
Simon McArdle, 12, Middlesbrough *
Child curfews are a very good idea. Young children are staying up later and are seen roaming the streets at night. This could lead them to vandalism and other crimes. Telling them when to go home or go to bed is a form of discipline, which young people need these days. It also keeps them out of trouble and away from danger.
Kimberly Mayo, 17, London
A curfew might work. But the police have more important things to do than having to make sure people are in their houses. Some people might not like it because they'll have to be in earlier. I reckon children aged between 7 and 15 should be home before its dark.
Rebecca Maynard, 12, Redcar *
About the team
The panel are members of Children's Express London bureau. *Additional interviews by Dean Bransby, 13, and Emma Dickman, 10, from the Children's Express Newcastle bureau. This column was published as part of Teen Talk, the Children's Express page in New Nation.
